Article
Creating a library holding group: an approach to large system integration
Journal of The Medical Library Association
(2016)
Abstract
Purpose: Faced with resource constraints, many hospital libraries have considered joint operations.
This case study describes how Providence Health & Services created a single group to provide
library services.
Methods: Using a holding group model, staff worked to unify more than 6,100 nonlibrary
subscriptions and 14 internal library sites.
Results: Our library services grew by unifying 2,138 nonlibrary subscriptions and 11 library sites and
hiring more library staff. We expanded access to 26,018 more patrons.
Conclusions: A model with built-in flexibility allowed successful library expansion. Although
challenges remain, this success points to a viable model of unified operations.
Disciplines
Publication Date
January 10, 2016
DOI
10.5195/jmla.2016.149
Citation Information
Isaac R. Huffman, Heather J. Martin and Basia Delawska-Elliott. "Creating a library holding group: an approach to large system integration" Journal of The Medical Library Association Vol. 104 Iss. 4 (2016) p. 315 - 319 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/heather-j-martin/6/